Abby Buell recovers from paralyzing swimming accident

Abby Buell, a 15-year-old from Kansas, suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a routine swimming practice at Young’s Pool. While practicing dives, Buell struck her head in approximately 1.2 meters of water, resulting in a fracture of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6).

Following the accident, Buell was paralyzed in the water and had to be rescued by a teammate. Despite undergoing surgery, medical professionals have informed her family that she will likely never walk again. After spending 58 days in the hospital undergoing intensive rehabilitation, Buell has shown significant progress, including regaining some hand mobility and returning to the pool.

Buell remains determined to return to her previous activities, including her school’s marching band, as her family works to adapt their home to her new needs.